Bangkok ๐น๐ญ
|
Cape Town ๐ฟ๐ฆ
|
Madrid ๐ช๐ธ
|
Playa del Carmen ๐ฒ๐ฝ
|
Valencia ๐ช๐ธ
|
|
Population | 5,680,000 | 4,617,560 | 6,578,0179 | 259,453 | 834,000 |
Official language(s) | Thai | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Spanish | Spanish | Spanish, Valencian |
Level of English | Low | Very high | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Main airport | Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) | Cancun International Airport (CUN) | Valencia Manises Airport (VLC) |
Most common months to visit | January - March, November, December | March - May, September - November | March - May, September - November | January - May, October - December | March - June, September, October |
Currency | THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) |
Credit cards | Accepted almost everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere |
Remote worker visa | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Average monthly costs | $1560 | $1549 | $2498 | $2143 | $1976 |
Rent | $616 | $618 | $1174 | $923 | $869 |
Groceries | $191 | $129 | $175 | $127 | $146 |
Dining out | $168 | $269 | $313 | $207 | $292 |
Cafe | $45 | $32 | $51 | $42 | $42 |
Coworking space | $127 | $151 | $196 | $160 | $152 |
Mobile internet | $23 | $27 | $10 | $21 | $16 |
Public transportation | $32 | $55 | $78 | $17 | $38 |
Taxis | $19 | $21 | $44 | $9 | $42 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $17 | $49 | $49 | $49 | $30 |
Sport and cultural events | $46 | $19 | $54 | $97 | $73 |
Museums and sights | $21 | $15 | $20 | $217 | $44 |
Nightlife | $50 | $43 | $82 | $77 | $66 |
Gym | $96 | $36 | $44 | $42 | $34 |
Yoga | $98 | $56 | $142 | $54 | $87 |
Massage | $11 | $30 | $64 | $101 | $45 |
SIM card options | AIS | MTN, Vodacom | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone | Telcel, Movistar | Vodafone, Orange |
Tipping | 10% for restaurants, bars and services | 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. | 10-15% for restaurants | Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars |
Taxi apps | Grab | Uber, Bolt | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now | N/A | Cabify, FreeNow |
Tap water | Not drinkable | Not drinkable | Drinkable | Not drinkable | Drinkable |
Overall cuisine | Meat and fish dishes, vegetables, noodles and soup | South African cuisine has been shaped by a long history of Dutch, Malay, British and Indian settlements, making the food diverse and strong in flavor. There is a strong emphasis on game in all of its different forms, as well as spicy sauces and sautรฉed vegetables and dry-cured meats. Creamy desserts and liqueurs compliment large and flavorful meals. | Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. | Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices | Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats |
Local food specialities | Pad thai, tom yam, kway teow reua, som tum, sooan | Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow | Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros | Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole | Paella, fideuร , esgarrat, orxata, bunyols |
Eat like a local | Food stalls, local markets, shophouse restaurants | Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food markets | Have some tapas and sangria at a tasca and paella at an authentic eatery. Keep an eye on the time and visit a cafeteria for a mid-afternoon merienda and some churros! | Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's | Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches) |
Vegetarian / vegan options | 416 listings on Happy Cow | 24 options on HappyCow | 85 listings on Happy Cow | 72 listings on Happy Cow | 98 listings on Happy Cow |